For many Calgary gardeners, asparagus is a true treat—delicious, nutritious, and a true sign of a well-established vegetable patch. Although it’s often called the “food of kings,” growing your own asparagus here is entirely possible with a little planning and patience. Once established, your asparagus bed will reward you for years to come, providing fresh spears each spring.
A Brief History of Asparagus
Native to central Europe, western Asia, and the Mediterranean, asparagus has been cultivated since Roman times. Historically, it was so prized that empires sent fleets to find the best spears, and even kings like Louis XIV built special greenhouses so they could enjoy fresh asparagus year-round. Today, it’s still considered a delicacy—perfect for gardeners who want to grow something special.
Growing Asparagus in Calgary’s Climate
Asparagus loves well-drained, sandy loam soil—ideal for Calgary’s often rocky or clay soils. If your soil is heavy clay, incorporate plenty of organic matter to improve drainage. Before planting, add a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage strong root development.
Watering & Care
Asparagus needs about an inch of water weekly—more during dry spells—and should be watered consistently into fall after the harvesting season ends. This helps the roots store energy for the winter and ensures a healthy, vigorous crop next year.
Planting Tips
You can grow asparagus from seed or, more commonly, from crowns (pre-established root systems).
- Crowns: Two-year-old crowns are best—they give you a head start, with a harvest possible in just two years.
- Spacing: Plant the crowns 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) apart in rows, with each plant spaced 30 cm (about 12 inches) apart within the row.
- Depth: Dig a trench 10-13 cm (4-5 inches) deep, place the crowns, and lightly cover with soil. As spears emerge, gradually fill in the trench with soil.
Harvesting
Patience is key—your first harvest won’t come until the third year. Once your plants are mature, you can harvest spears for about 6-8 weeks in late spring (May and June). Stop harvesting by early July to allow the plants to store energy in their roots for the next season.
Overwintering & Storage
Calgary’s cold winters aren’t a problem for established asparagus beds. Once the plants are dormant, they can survive underground all winter. To protect them, leave some mulch over the bed—about 7.5-10 cm (3-4 inches)—and avoid disturbing the crowns. After harvest, cut the spears and store them in a cool, moist place or stand them in water for a short time if you want to enjoy fresh asparagus longer.
The White and Purple Variants
- White asparagus: Grown by covering spears with soil or black plastic to block sunlight, resulting in tender, mild, and slightly nutty spears. It’s more work but a real treat.
- Purple asparagus: Varieties like Purple Passion or Viola are rare but fun to try—bright purple on the outside with a green interior. They’re a bit harder to find but make a colorful addition to your garden.
Final Thoughts
Growing asparagus in Calgary takes patience, but the reward is worth it. Once established, you’ll enjoy fresh spears each spring, and your bed will keep producing for many years. Plus, nothing beats the taste of fresh, homegrown asparagus—an elegant delicacy right from your garden!
